Goat Eye Disease

Goats are prone to the same eye diseases that often affect most mammals. They can contract conjunctivitis, commonly known as pink eye, as well as the infection blepharitis and entropion. Goats can also go blind due to poison or vitamin deficiencies. Tumors and growths of the eye are also a remote possibility.

  1. Conjunctivitis and Goats

    • Conjunctivitis, pink eye, is the most common eye problem in farm animals including goats. Pink eye is a contagious infection of the white of the eye. Typical symptoms include a red or pink inflammation around the eye and possible discharge. Treatment includes antibiotics administered systemically or subconjunctivally in the eye.

    Blepharitis

    • Blepharitis is an infection in and around the eye. It can be caused by parasites, allergies or excessive exposure to the sun. Symptoms are similar to conjunctivitis but can include loss of hair around the eye and spasms of the eyelid.

    Entropion

    • Entropions occur when the eyelid of the goat turns inside out and the lashes irritate the eye. Symptoms include inflammation around the eye and can be mistaken for pink eye. Veterinarian treatment is required to reverse the eyelid.

    Protecting the Flock

    • Conjunctivitis is highly contagious. Goats with an eye infection should be quarantined. New animals should be kept away from the rest of the flock for 30 days.

    Treating Conjunctivitis

    • There are no vaccines for the prevention of conjunctivitis in goats. Oxytetracycline is most commonly used to treat conjunctivitis in goats. Subconjunctival injections of antibiotics should not be attempted by anyone other than a trained veterinarian.